EP0719018B1 - Transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications - Google Patents
Transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0719018B1 EP0719018B1 EP95306932A EP95306932A EP0719018B1 EP 0719018 B1 EP0719018 B1 EP 0719018B1 EP 95306932 A EP95306932 A EP 95306932A EP 95306932 A EP95306932 A EP 95306932A EP 0719018 B1 EP0719018 B1 EP 0719018B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ear
- microphone
- transmitting
- receiving apparatus
- insertion body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
- H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
- H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
- H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
- H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2201/10—Details of earpieces, attachments therefor, earphones or monophonic headphones covered by H04R1/10 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2201/107—Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/13—Hearing devices using bone conduction transducers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a transmitting/receiving apparatus of the ear insertion type for use with handy phones, cordless phones, transceivers and the like.
- a transmitting/receiving apparatus as shown in Figure 6 which comprises a headphone 27 and a microphone 29 supported by a support bar 28 in front of the user's mouth.
- the transmitting/receiving apparatus of Figure 6 is satisfactory in terms of hand free usage. However, it is difficult to transmit a clear voice to the communication counterpart when the apparatus is used in a noisy place, for example, in a plant or vehicle, because the microphone 29 of the apparatus catches noise.
- Japanese unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-199577 (1993) proposes a transmitting/receiving apparatus having an ear-insertion body 30 which incorporates therein an earphone 31 and microphone 32 of a bone-conduction type, as shown in Figure 7.
- the transmitting/receiving apparatus shown in Figure 7 is advantageous in that it frees the user's hands and in that it can transmit a relatively clear voice because the main body thereof is inserted into the user's external auditory meatus and therefore the microphone 32 thereof does not catch external noise. Further, the microphone 32 catches a voice through bone conduction and, therefore, even a faint voice can satisfactorily be caught by the microphone 32.
- the earphone 31 and microphone 32 are incorporated in a small main body and, hence, the microphone 32 catches acoustic vibration of the earphone 31. Since electrical problems such as howling and crosstalk occur in the apparatus, the volume of the earphone and the sensitivity of the microphone cannot be increased. Therefore, the apparatus cannot satisfactorily receive nor transmit a clear voice.
- a transmitting/receiving apparatus as shown in Figure 8 has been developed, in which an earphone 33 and a microphone 34 were separately provided, and the microphone adapted to utilize throat vibration was pressingly attached to the user's throat by means of a supported 35 wrapped around the neck.
- the transmitting/receiving apparatus in Figure 8 is advantageous in that the microphone utilizing throat vibration can efficiently pick up a faint voice and in that the earphone 33 and microphone 34 separately provided do not cause acoustic interference or crosstalk.
- the microphone 34 is pressingly attached to the user's throat by wrapping the supporter 35 around his neck, the user feels pressure on his neck. This hinders easy utterance and gives the user uncomfortable feeling in usage. Further, the microphone 34 moves out of position and may suffer from noise resulting from the rustling of the user's clothing. In addition, the apparatus is poor in appearance.
- WO-A-9410818 discloses a personal sound amplification system comprising a microphone, a loudspeaker and an amplifier having an input connected to the microphone and an output connected to the loudspeaker.
- the microphone is incorporated in an earpiece which is adapted for positioning in the ear canal of a user so as to pick up sound from the ear canal; and the loudspeaker is adapted for positioning in the region of the other outer ear of the user for generating sound thereto.
- the apparatus may be used with a radio transmitter receiver, the output of which is supplied to the loudspeaker.
- the output of the microphone may also be transmitted in radiographic form.
- the apparatus may be used in telecommunications as a hands-free transmitting/receiving device.
- WO-A-9405231 discloses an ear based haring protector and communication system with a transmitting receiving apparatus. Ear muffs or earplugs are fitted with a transducer and a microphone to transmit and receive speech.
- the disclosed microphone is based on air conduction and has partially as goal to minimize reception of bone conducted vibration.
- An ear microphone for an external auditory canal insertion type two-way communication earpiece is disclosed in EP-A-0107843.
- a casing of the earpiece contains a fixed electrode and a vibrating electrode positioned in capacitive relation to each other, the vibrating electrode detecting acceleration vibration from outside the casing in the form of bone conducted voice sound vibration within the external auditory canal.
- Object of the present invention is to provide an improved, comfortable hands-free transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications which is free from howling and crosstalk, although presenting high sensitivity and an excellent voice reproduction characteristic.
- a transmitting receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications, comprising a first ear-insertion body serving as an earphone for insertion into one ear of a user; a second ear-insertion body provided separately from the first ear-insertion body for insertion into the other ear of a user and serving as a microphone, characterised in that the microphone is a capacitor microphone of a bone-conduction type and has a vibration electrode, said second ear insertion body comprising a body casing incorporating said microphone, an insertion cover adjoining with the body casing and having a configuration such that the outer periphery of the insertion cover contacts a user's external auditory meatus when the second ear insertion body is inserted in a user's ear, and a vibration conduction member connected to the central portion of said vibration electrode at one end and to the insertion cover at the other end.
- the transmitting/receiving apparatus drives the earphone by sending a receiving signal to the first ear-insertion body and transmits a transmitting signal from the microphone of the second ear-insertion body via a wire or over wireless utilizing a radio wave or ultrasonic wave.
- the microphone of the second ear-insertion body receives a voice signal from the user's external auditory meatus through bone conduction and assuredly catches even a faint voice as a voice signal.
- the second ear-insertion body is provided separately from the first ear-insertion body and, therefore, such problems as howling and crosstalk between the microphone and the earphone can be avoided. Further, the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the present invention frees the user's hands.
- the insertion cover may be formed of a rigid resin and the vibration conduction member may be formed of a metal having a specific gravity of between 5kg/dm 3 to 20 Kg/dm 3 .
- a transmitting/receiving apparatus includes a first ear-insertion body 1 having an electric/vibration conversion element (not shown) incorporated therein to serve as an earphone, and a second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a bone-conduction microphone.
- the first and second ear-insertion bodies 1 and 2 are connected to an adjuster 5 via wires 3 and 4.
- the adjuster 5 is connected to a handy phone 8 with a plug 7 of the wire 6 being inserted into a jack of the handy phone 8.
- the adjuster 5 has an amplifier, equalizer, volume adjuster and the like incorporated therein.
- the second ear-insertion type body 2 serving as a bone-conduction microphone has a structure as shown in Figure 2.
- the second ear-insertion body 2 includes a body casing 9 formed of a synthetic resin, an insertion cover 10 provided at a front end of the body casing 9 and formed of a relatively rigid resin selected from silicone resins or polyvinylchloride resins into a configuration such that the outer periphery thereof contacts an external auditory meatus of a user's ear, a rear end cover 11 provided at the rear end of the body casing 9, and a vibration sensor 12 supported by a support member 13 in a body casing 9.
- a vibration bar 14 serving as a vibration conduction member and connected to a vibration element of the vibration sensor 12 extends to the front end of the body casing 9 and is connected to the interior surface of a side portion of the insertion cover 10.
- a soft silicone rubber 15 which does not hinder the vibration of the vibration bar 14 is provided around the vibration bar 14.
- the second ear-insertion body 2 has a vent hole 16 extending through rear end cover 11, support member 13 and insertion cover 10.
- a wire 17 is connected to a terminal of the vibration sensor 12.
- the vibration sensor 12 comprises a capacitor microphone as shown in Fig. 3. More specifically, the vibration sensor 12 includes a vibration electrode 18, a solid electrode 19 and a dielectric 20 interposed therebetween, and the vibration bar 14 is connected to the vibration electrode 18.
- the vibration bar 14 has a diameter of 1.6mm and a length of 10mm and is formed of a metal such as stainless steel or iron, which has a specific gravity of about 5kg/dm 3 to about 20kg/dm 3 .
- the first ear-insertion body 1 serving as an earphone is inserted into one ear
- the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a bone-conductive microphone is inserted into the other ear.
- the first ear-insertion body 1 receives a transmitted electric signal and converts it into audio vibration thereby serving as an earphone.
- a voice uttered is transferred by bone conduction to the vibration bar 14 (vibration conductor member) via the insertion cover 10 contacting the user's external auditory meatus.
- the vibration electrode 18 is vibrated by the vibration of the vibration bar 14, and the voice is converted into audio/electric signals based on the capacity variation of a capacitor incorporated in the second ear-insertion body 2.
- the signals thus generated are transmitted from the second ear-insertion body 2.
- the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the present invention achieves the transmission and reception of audio information. Since the first ear-insertion body 1 serving as an earphone and the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a microphone are both inserted in the user's ears, the user can freely use his hands to perform other manual operations. Further, the first ear-insertion body 1 serving as an earphone and the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a microphone are separately provided and, therefore, the howling and cross-talk will never occur. Further, since the second ear-insertion body 2 incorporating the microphone is inserted into one ear, the second ear-insertion body 2 does not pick up any external noise.
- the capacitor microphone has a sensitivity higher than that of a conventional acceleration sensor, thereby being capable of reproducing a voice close to an original voice.
- an excellent voice reproduction characteristic of the capacitor microphone allows the second ear-insertion body 2 to transmit a clear voice signal.
- the insertion cover 10 of the second ear-insertion body 2 is formed of a rigid resin, and the vibration bar 14 connected thereto is made of a metal having a specific gravity of about 5kg/m 3 to about 20kg/dm 3 . Therefore, even a faint voice is efficiently conveyed as a vibration through the user's external auditory meatus.
- the second ear-insertion body 2 serves as an effective bone-conduction microphone.
- the microphone there is no need to attach the microphone to the user's throat as in the prior art, because the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a microphone provided separately from the earphone is inserted into the user's ear. Therefore, the user feels neither pressure on the throat and nor inconvenience in uttering a voice. Furthermore, any supporting member is not required.
- Fig. 4 shows a transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- This transmitting/receiving apparatus is characterized by its cordless configuration which is embodied without the need to provide a wire as provided in the aforesaid first embodiment.
- a first ear-insertion body 1 has a first receiver 21 disposed therein and connected to an audio conversion element.
- a second ear-insertion body 2 has a first transmitter 22 disposed therein and connected to a microphone element.
- a handy phone has a second transmitter 23 for transmitting to the first receiver 21 and a second receiver 24 for receiving from the first transmitter 22.
- the output of a radio signal herein employed is weak such that the radio wave reaches within several meters.
- Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating one example of the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a microphone.
- the second ear-insertion body 2 has the second transmitter 23 connected to a vibration sensor within a rear cover 11, a battery 25 for driving the apparatus, and an antenna chip 26 made of a metal and exposed on an outer surface of the rear cover 11. Since the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the second embodiment is of the so-called cordless type, a user can conveniently use the transmitting/receiving apparatus without being disturbed by the wire.
- the transmitting/receiving apparatus are designed to be used with a handy phone, they can be effectively used with an ordinary stationary telephone or a transceiver.
- the first ear-insertion body serving as an earphone and the second ear-insertion body serving as a microphone are separately provided in the transmitting/receiving apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and the microphone is of a bone-conduction type. Therefore, the transmitting/receiving apparatus frees user's hands, and does not cause such problems as howling and crosstalk. In addition, the user can comfortably use the receiving/transmitting apparatus without feeling pressure on the throat.
- the second ear-insertion body serving as a microphone has the insertion cover formed of a rigid material and the vibration bar connected thereto and formed of a metal having a high specific gravity. Therefore, the second ear-insertion body can efficiently receive bone vibration conveyed through the user's external auditory meatus. Further, the second ear-insertion body incorporating the capacitor microphone as the vibration sensor has excellent frequency characteristics, thereby permitting clear voice to be received and transmitted. Thus, the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the present invention offers great practical advantages.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a transmitting/receiving apparatus of the ear insertion type for use with handy phones, cordless phones, transceivers and the like.
- When communicating through a communication apparatus such as a handy phone, cordless phone or transceiver, it is desirable to freely use hands to write a memorandum, to refer to notes, or to operate a personal computer. To this end, a transmitting/receiving apparatus as shown in Figure 6 has been proposed which comprises a
headphone 27 and amicrophone 29 supported by asupport bar 28 in front of the user's mouth. - The transmitting/receiving apparatus of Figure 6 is satisfactory in terms of hand free usage. However, it is difficult to transmit a clear voice to the communication counterpart when the apparatus is used in a noisy place, for example, in a plant or vehicle, because the
microphone 29 of the apparatus catches noise. - To solve this problem, Japanese unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-199577 (1993), for example, proposes a transmitting/receiving apparatus having an ear-
insertion body 30 which incorporates therein anearphone 31 andmicrophone 32 of a bone-conduction type, as shown in Figure 7. - The transmitting/receiving apparatus shown in Figure 7 is advantageous in that it frees the user's hands and in that it can transmit a relatively clear voice because the main body thereof is inserted into the user's external auditory meatus and therefore the
microphone 32 thereof does not catch external noise. Further, themicrophone 32 catches a voice through bone conduction and, therefore, even a faint voice can satisfactorily be caught by themicrophone 32. - However, the
earphone 31 and microphone 32 are incorporated in a small main body and, hence, themicrophone 32 catches acoustic vibration of theearphone 31. Since electrical problems such as howling and crosstalk occur in the apparatus, the volume of the earphone and the sensitivity of the microphone cannot be increased. Therefore, the apparatus cannot satisfactorily receive nor transmit a clear voice. - To solve this problem, a transmitting/receiving apparatus as shown in Figure 8 has been developed, in which an
earphone 33 and amicrophone 34 were separately provided, and the microphone adapted to utilize throat vibration was pressingly attached to the user's throat by means of a supported 35 wrapped around the neck. - The transmitting/receiving apparatus in Figure 8 is advantageous in that the microphone utilizing throat vibration can efficiently pick up a faint voice and in that the
earphone 33 andmicrophone 34 separately provided do not cause acoustic interference or crosstalk. However, since themicrophone 34 is pressingly attached to the user's throat by wrapping thesupporter 35 around his neck, the user feels pressure on his neck. This hinders easy utterance and gives the user uncomfortable feeling in usage. Further, themicrophone 34 moves out of position and may suffer from noise resulting from the rustling of the user's clothing. In addition, the apparatus is poor in appearance. - WO-A-9410818, according to which the preamble of
claim 1 has been delimited, discloses a personal sound amplification system comprising a microphone, a loudspeaker and an amplifier having an input connected to the microphone and an output connected to the loudspeaker. The microphone is incorporated in an earpiece which is adapted for positioning in the ear canal of a user so as to pick up sound from the ear canal; and the loudspeaker is adapted for positioning in the region of the other outer ear of the user for generating sound thereto. The apparatus may be used with a radio transmitter receiver, the output of which is supplied to the loudspeaker. The output of the microphone may also be transmitted in radiographic form. Moreover, the apparatus may be used in telecommunications as a hands-free transmitting/receiving device. - WO-A-9405231 discloses an ear based haring protector and communication system with a transmitting receiving apparatus. Ear muffs or earplugs are fitted with a transducer and a microphone to transmit and receive speech. The disclosed microphone is based on air conduction and has partially as goal to minimize reception of bone conducted vibration.
- An ear microphone for an external auditory canal insertion type two-way communication earpiece is disclosed in EP-A-0107843. A casing of the earpiece contains a fixed electrode and a vibrating electrode positioned in capacitive relation to each other, the vibrating electrode detecting acceleration vibration from outside the casing in the form of bone conducted voice sound vibration within the external auditory canal.
- Object of the present invention is to provide an improved, comfortable hands-free transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications which is free from howling and crosstalk, although presenting high sensitivity and an excellent voice reproduction caracteristic.
- To achieve this object present invention provides a transmitting receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications, comprising a first ear-insertion body serving as an earphone for insertion into one ear of a user; a second ear-insertion body provided separately from the first ear-insertion body for insertion into the other ear of a user and serving as a microphone, characterised in that the microphone is a capacitor microphone of a bone-conduction type and has a vibration electrode, said second ear insertion body comprising a body casing incorporating said microphone, an insertion cover adjoining with the body casing and having a configuration such that the outer periphery of the insertion cover contacts a user's external auditory meatus when the second ear insertion body is inserted in a user's ear, and a vibration conduction member connected to the central portion of said vibration electrode at one end and to the insertion cover at the other end.
- With the aforesaid construction, the transmitting/receiving apparatus drives the earphone by sending a receiving signal to the first ear-insertion body and transmits a transmitting signal from the microphone of the second ear-insertion body via a wire or over wireless utilizing a radio wave or ultrasonic wave. The microphone of the second ear-insertion body receives a voice signal from the user's external auditory meatus through bone conduction and assuredly catches even a faint voice as a voice signal. The second ear-insertion body is provided separately from the first ear-insertion body and, therefore, such problems as howling and crosstalk between the microphone and the earphone can be avoided. Further, the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the present invention frees the user's hands.
- The insertion cover may be formed of a rigid resin and the vibration conduction member may be formed of a metal having a specific gravity of between 5kg/dm3 to 20 Kg/dm3.
- The invention will now be described in more detail and by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
- Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 is a sectional view illustrating a second ear-insertion body of the transmitting/receiving apparatus which serves as a microphone;
- Figure 3 is an electrical circuit diagram of the second ear-insertion body;
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a second ear-insertion body of the transmitting/receiving apparatus shown in Fig. 4 which serves as a microphone;
- Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications;
- Fig. 7 is a sectional view illustrating another conventional transmitting/receiving apparatus; and
- Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating still another conventional transmitting/receiving apparatus.
-
- With reference to the attached drawings, the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail by way of embodiments thereof.
- Referring to Fig. 1, a transmitting/receiving apparatus includes a first ear-
insertion body 1 having an electric/vibration conversion element (not shown) incorporated therein to serve as an earphone, and a second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a bone-conduction microphone. The first and second ear-insertion bodies adjuster 5 viawires adjuster 5 is connected to ahandy phone 8 with aplug 7 of thewire 6 being inserted into a jack of thehandy phone 8. Theadjuster 5 has an amplifier, equalizer, volume adjuster and the like incorporated therein. - The second ear-
insertion type body 2 serving as a bone-conduction microphone has a structure as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the second ear-insertion body 2 includes abody casing 9 formed of a synthetic resin, aninsertion cover 10 provided at a front end of thebody casing 9 and formed of a relatively rigid resin selected from silicone resins or polyvinylchloride resins into a configuration such that the outer periphery thereof contacts an external auditory meatus of a user's ear, arear end cover 11 provided at the rear end of thebody casing 9, and avibration sensor 12 supported by asupport member 13 in abody casing 9. Avibration bar 14 serving as a vibration conduction member and connected to a vibration element of thevibration sensor 12 extends to the front end of thebody casing 9 and is connected to the interior surface of a side portion of theinsertion cover 10. Asoft silicone rubber 15 which does not hinder the vibration of thevibration bar 14 is provided around thevibration bar 14. The second ear-insertion body 2 has avent hole 16 extending throughrear end cover 11, supportmember 13 andinsertion cover 10. Awire 17 is connected to a terminal of thevibration sensor 12. - The
vibration sensor 12 comprises a capacitor microphone as shown in Fig. 3. More specifically, thevibration sensor 12 includes avibration electrode 18, asolid electrode 19 and a dielectric 20 interposed therebetween, and thevibration bar 14 is connected to thevibration electrode 18. - In this embodiment, the
vibration bar 14 has a diameter of 1.6mm and a length of 10mm and is formed of a metal such as stainless steel or iron, which has a specific gravity of about 5kg/dm3 to about 20kg/dm3. - In use, the first ear-
insertion body 1 serving as an earphone is inserted into one ear, and the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a bone-conductive microphone is inserted into the other ear. The first ear-insertion body 1 receives a transmitted electric signal and converts it into audio vibration thereby serving as an earphone. In the second ear-insertion body 2, a voice uttered is transferred by bone conduction to the vibration bar 14 (vibration conductor member) via theinsertion cover 10 contacting the user's external auditory meatus. Thevibration electrode 18 is vibrated by the vibration of thevibration bar 14, and the voice is converted into audio/electric signals based on the capacity variation of a capacitor incorporated in the second ear-insertion body 2. The signals thus generated are transmitted from the second ear-insertion body 2. - Thus, the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the present invention achieves the transmission and reception of audio information. Since the first ear-
insertion body 1 serving as an earphone and the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a microphone are both inserted in the user's ears, the user can freely use his hands to perform other manual operations. Further, the first ear-insertion body 1 serving as an earphone and the second ear-insertion body 2 serving as a microphone are separately provided and, therefore, the howling and cross-talk will never occur. Further, since the second ear-insertion body 2 incorporating the microphone is inserted into one ear, the second ear-insertion body 2 does not pick up any external noise. Particularly, the capacitor microphone has a sensitivity higher than that of a conventional acceleration sensor, thereby being capable of reproducing a voice close to an original voice. Thus, an excellent voice reproduction characteristic of the capacitor microphone allows the second ear-insertion body 2 to transmit a clear voice signal. - The insertion cover 10 of the second ear-
insertion body 2 is formed of a rigid resin, and thevibration bar 14 connected thereto is made of a metal having a specific gravity of about 5kg/m3 to about 20kg/dm3. Therefore, even a faint voice is efficiently conveyed as a vibration through the user's external auditory meatus. Thus, the second ear-insertion body 2 serves as an effective bone-conduction microphone. - Further, there is no need to attach the microphone to the user's throat as in the prior art, because the second ear-
insertion body 2 serving as a microphone provided separately from the earphone is inserted into the user's ear. Therefore, the user feels neither pressure on the throat and nor inconvenience in uttering a voice. Furthermore, any supporting member is not required. - Fig. 4 shows a transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. This transmitting/receiving apparatus is characterized by its cordless configuration which is embodied without the need to provide a wire as provided in the aforesaid first embodiment.
- As shown, a first ear-
insertion body 1 has afirst receiver 21 disposed therein and connected to an audio conversion element. A second ear-insertion body 2 has afirst transmitter 22 disposed therein and connected to a microphone element. A handy phone has asecond transmitter 23 for transmitting to thefirst receiver 21 and asecond receiver 24 for receiving from thefirst transmitter 22. The output of a radio signal herein employed is weak such that the radio wave reaches within several meters. - Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating one example of the second ear-
insertion body 2 serving as a microphone. As shown, the second ear-insertion body 2 has thesecond transmitter 23 connected to a vibration sensor within arear cover 11, abattery 25 for driving the apparatus, and anantenna chip 26 made of a metal and exposed on an outer surface of therear cover 11. Since the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the second embodiment is of the so-called cordless type, a user can conveniently use the transmitting/receiving apparatus without being disturbed by the wire. - Although the transmitting/receiving apparatus according to the foregoing embodiments are designed to be used with a handy phone, they can be effectively used with an ordinary stationary telephone or a transceiver. In addition, it is possible to use ultrasonic waves instead of radio waves as transmitting medium, without causing any disadvantage.
- As can be understood from the foregoing, the first ear-insertion body serving as an earphone and the second ear-insertion body serving as a microphone are separately provided in the transmitting/receiving apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and the microphone is of a bone-conduction type. Therefore, the transmitting/receiving apparatus frees user's hands, and does not cause such problems as howling and crosstalk. In addition, the user can comfortably use the receiving/transmitting apparatus without feeling pressure on the throat.
- The second ear-insertion body serving as a microphone has the insertion cover formed of a rigid material and the vibration bar connected thereto and formed of a metal having a high specific gravity. Therefore, the second ear-insertion body can efficiently receive bone vibration conveyed through the user's external auditory meatus. Further, the second ear-insertion body incorporating the capacitor microphone as the vibration sensor has excellent frequency characteristics, thereby permitting clear voice to be received and transmitted. Thus, the transmitting/receiving apparatus of the present invention offers great practical advantages.
- While only certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, certain changes and modifications can be made in embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (3)
- A transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications, comprising:a first ear-insertion body (1) serving as an earphone for insertion into one ear of a user;a second ear-insertion body (2) provided separately from the first ear-insertion body (1) for insertion into the other ear of a user and serving as a microphone, characterised in that the microphone is a capacitor microphone of a bone-conduction type and has a vibration electrode (18), said second ear insertion body (2) comprising a body casing (9) incorporating said microphone, an insertion cover (10) adjoining with the body casing (9) and having a configuration such that the outer periphery of the insertion cover (10) contacts a user's external auditory meatus when the second ear insertion body (2) is inserted in a user's ear, and a vibration conduction member (14) connected to the central portion of said vibration electrode (18) at one end and to the insertion cover (10) at the other end.
- A transmitting/receiving apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insertion cover (10) is formed of a rigid resin and the vibration conduction member (14) is formed of a metal having a specific gravity of between 5Kg/dm3 to 20 Kg/dm3.
- A transmitting/receiving apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first ear-insertion body (1) has a receiver (21) adapted to receive a radio wave signal or an ultrasonic wave signal, and the second ear-insertion body (2) has a transmitter (22) adapted to transmit a radio wave signal or an ultrasonic wave signal.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP6317410A JPH08181754A (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1994-12-21 | Handset for communication equipment |
JP31741094 | 1994-12-21 | ||
JP317410/94 | 1994-12-21 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0719018A1 EP0719018A1 (en) | 1996-06-26 |
EP0719018B1 true EP0719018B1 (en) | 2002-11-13 |
Family
ID=18087928
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP95306932A Expired - Lifetime EP0719018B1 (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1995-09-29 | Transmitting/receiving apparatus for use in telecommunications |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5790684A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0719018B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH08181754A (en) |
KR (1) | KR970064083A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1071522C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69528811T2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW404640U (en) |
Cited By (3)
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EP1683328A2 (en) * | 2003-11-11 | 2006-07-26 | Matech, Inc. | Two-way communications device having a single transducer |
US7826805B2 (en) | 2003-11-11 | 2010-11-02 | Matech, Inc. | Automatic-switching wireless communication device |
US8315379B2 (en) | 2004-11-10 | 2012-11-20 | Matech, Inc. | Single transducer full duplex talking circuit |
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1994
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-
1995
- 1995-09-27 TW TW085207357U patent/TW404640U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1995-09-29 US US08/537,274 patent/US5790684A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-09-29 DE DE69528811T patent/DE69528811T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-09-29 EP EP95306932A patent/EP0719018B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-11-30 CN CN95119992A patent/CN1071522C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-12-08 KR KR19950047628A patent/KR970064083A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1683328A2 (en) * | 2003-11-11 | 2006-07-26 | Matech, Inc. | Two-way communications device having a single transducer |
EP1683328A4 (en) * | 2003-11-11 | 2008-01-23 | Matech Inc | Two-way communications device having a single transducer |
US7826805B2 (en) | 2003-11-11 | 2010-11-02 | Matech, Inc. | Automatic-switching wireless communication device |
US7881483B2 (en) | 2003-11-11 | 2011-02-01 | Matech, Inc. | Two-way communications device having a single transducer |
US8315379B2 (en) | 2004-11-10 | 2012-11-20 | Matech, Inc. | Single transducer full duplex talking circuit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69528811D1 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
US5790684A (en) | 1998-08-04 |
CN1139329A (en) | 1997-01-01 |
JPH08181754A (en) | 1996-07-12 |
DE69528811T2 (en) | 2003-12-24 |
KR970064083A (en) | 1997-09-12 |
TW404640U (en) | 2000-09-01 |
CN1071522C (en) | 2001-09-19 |
EP0719018A1 (en) | 1996-06-26 |
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